Dr. Michael Lynch, Vice President, Green Innovation says that American Ethanol was essential in launching its long-term biofuels program and reducing overall emissions. “NASCAR’s goal is to be an environmental leader, not only in sports, but all industry,” said Mike Lynch, Manager of Green Innovations. “Over the years we made significant steps in conservation by introducing measurable, best-in-class initiatives in recycling, alternative energy, and carbon mitigation. The transition to Sunoco Green E15 five years ago really took our environmental commitment to the next level.”

American Ethanol can trace its connection to Earth Day back to its inception. Before founding Earth Day, Senator Gaylord Nelson worked to have the pollution produced by cars regulated and was involved with the protection of the oceans. Earth Day’s creation was inspired by his 1969 visit to Santa Barbara, California, shortly after an oil spill occurred on a nearby shore. “American Ethanol is an environmentally safe, homegrown, clean burning alternative to fossil fuels that can help clean our air if given the chance. No beaches have closed due to an ethanol spill. ” Says Chip Bowling, President, National Corn Growers Association and Corn Grower from Maryland.

The Obama administration is pledging that the U.S. will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent over the next 10 years. Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, says American Ethanol has a bright future in helping reach those goals. “Over 200 million cars on the road can use E15 today and immediately lower emissions. That’s a pretty big number but all of those consumers don’t have that choice yet. We can learn a lot from NASCAR and correlate their success from the track to the highway. It just comes down to giving the consumer a choice.” Said Buis.

In only 40 years, Earth Day has evolved from a single day celebrating the environmental movement in the United States to a global network that empowers more than a billion people to better understand, protect, and improve the environment. This evolution has also taken place in the massive NASCAR fan base. Back in 2008, NASCAR could see consumers were starting to identify with the green movement and knew it was something good for future generations. In 2008, NASCAR fans were 50% more likely than non-fans to indicate their household was very green and were always looking for new ways to positively impact the environment. Last year that same number rose to 100%.